27 April 2017 - Photos

Guru Vajradhara Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa (Guru Vajradhara) arrived at the holy valley of Paro, Kingdom of Bhutan on the 27th of April, 2017. Guru Vajradhara was received at the tarmac by the Secretary of the Monastic Body's Dratshang Lhentshog, Karma Tshering, the Deputy Chief of Protocol and Protocol Officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Guru Vajdradhara was then escorted to the Ceremonial Lounge where Her Majesty the Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck and Guru Vajradhara exchanged greetings.

Before leaving the airport for Thimphu, Guru Vajradhara met with Ven. Zuri Trulku, Ven. Taklung Trulku, Ven. Lhodrak Nyidey Trulku, Khenpos and representatives from monasteries and nunneries including Kunga Rabten Nunnery, Lhodrak Nyidey Monastery, Taklung Jena Ling Monastery who came to welcome Guru Vajradhara. He also met and blessed devotees who gathered to welcome and pay their respect.

Guru Vajradhara, upon arrival at the residence in Thimphu, was received by a large gathering of Sangha and lay devotees from all walks of life. Later His Eminence Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche visited to greet Guru Vajradhara and the two Lineage Holders shared joyful and fruitful moments over lunch.

28 April 2017 - Photos

On 28th April, Guru Vajradhara was granted audience with the Great Fourth Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck. It was the most delightful interaction. Guru Vajradhara was also granted audience with His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck. During the audience their Majesties held the Bhutanese people's adored Crown Prince of destiny, HRH the Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck.

Guru Vajradhara also had audiences with Her Majesty the Gyalyum Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, Her Majesty the Gyalyum Tshering Pem Wangchuck, Her Majesty the Gyalyum Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, Her Majesty the Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck and Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother Kesang Choden Wangchuck.

30 April 2017 - Photos

On 30th April, Guru Vajradhara was received for dinner at the residence of Yab Dhondup Gyaltshen and Yum Sonam Chuki. They were joined by the Honourable Prime Minister of Bhutan, HIs Excellency Tshering Tobgay.

1 May 2017 - Photos

On 1st May, Guru Vajradhara accepted the request by Ven. Lama Tshering to visit Kuenselphodrang, where a grand Buddha statue overlooking the valley. Guru Vajradhara was received by Ven. Lama Tshering and Khenpos following which Guru Vajradhara performed Thruesel and consecrated the magnificent image of Lord Buddha. Ven. Lama Tshering and Khenpos made traditional Mandala offering to Guru Vajradhara and hosted a tea ceremony. In the evening Guru Vajradhara visited His Eminence Kalu Rinpoche's residence to consecrate the Shrine Hall upon his request. Following a traditional tea ceremony, a traditional Mandala offering was made to Guru Vajradhara. Guru Vajradhara blessed the hundreds of devotees gathered along the roads leading to the Shrine Hall.

2 May 2017 - Photos

On 2nd May, Guru Vajradhara visited the ancient sacred site of Buddha of Compassion and Mahakala, Chang-gankha Lhakhang. Guru Vajradhara was received by the head Lama and monks. Guru Vajradhara offered prayers at the temple.

Throughout his stay in Thimphu, Guru Vajradhara received devotees and granted blessings.

4 May 2017 - Photos

On 4th May, Guru Vajradhara departed Thimphu for Paro. While en route, upon the request of Lhodrak Nyidey Trulku Rinpoche, Guru Vajradhara visited Lhodrak Nyidey Gompa at Bjemina. The people of Bjemina and the representatives of the Tibetan community joined the Monastic Sangha of the monastery for an elaborate welcome ceremony. At the main Shrine Hall, Guru Vajradhara was escorted to the Thri (throne). A Mandala offering was made by Lhodrak Nyidey Trulku Rinpoche and the officials of the monastery. Prayers of the 16 Arhats were conducted following which Guru Vajradhara granted teachings to people who gathered in a specially prepared tent on the open grounds. He granted the Oral Transmissions for the mantras of Guru Rinpoche, Chenreyzig and the Sadhana of Manjushri. Guru Vajradhara also blessed the gathered public with Chagdru (consecrated saffron rice).

In the afternoon Guru Vajradhara visited Taklung Jewaling Monastery upon the request of Ven. Taklung Trulku, who has been closely associated with Palpung Monastic Seat and the lineage of Guru Vajradhara Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa for many generations. Guru Vajradhara was received in Chipdrel (traditional Bhutanese welcome procession) by Ven. Taklung Trulku, Rinpoches, Sangha and the local community. On request of Ven. Trulku, the opening ceremony of the Shrine was presided over by Guru Vajradhara. Ven. Taklung Trulku made Body, Speech and Mind Offerings to Guru Vajradhara followed by Zhuday (traditional Bhutanese tea ceremony). Guru Vajradhara granted the Oral Transmissions of the mantras of Guru Rinpoche and Chenreyzig and teachings on the Essence of Dharma.

In the evening, at 5:00 p.m., Guru Vajradhara departed for Paro Kichu and arrived at the residence of the late His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche at 5:30 p.m. He was welcomed by the Dzongdag (governor) of Paro Dzongkhag with a traditional tea ceremony. Guru Vajradhara then settled at the residence.

At 6:30 p.m., Guru Vajradhara paid a visit to the holy site of Paro Kichu Lhakhang, the holy shrine of Jokhang and Guru Rinpoche's Lhakhang where he offered Nyendhar and aspiration prayers.

5 May 2017 - Photos

On 5th May, at 6:50 a.m., Guru Vajradhara departed for his pilgrimage to Taktsang (Tiger Nest, Sacred Cave of Guru Rinpoche). The Deputy Chief of Protocol and local authorities welcomed Guru Vajradhara at the site prior to the start of his hike to the sacred caves. Guru Vajradhara travelled on horseback till 9:15 a.m. when the entourage reached the final rest point before the trek to Taktsang.

Around 10:30 a.m., Guru Vajradhara arrived at the site of the holy cave and was accorded a traditional welcome by Lama Yeshay, the head of Taktsang Monastery with other lamas and monks. At the shrine of the cave, Guru Vajradhara conducted Konchok Chidue (Tsok puja of Guru Rinpoche) and paid homage to this most holy place. This day was very auspicious because it coincidently fell on the 10th Day (Saga Dawa) and the parinirvana day of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (Zhabdrung Kuchoe). Thousands of happily surprised pilgrims from India, the United States, Europe, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Taiwan and local devotees received blessings from Guru Vajradhara at Taktsang and along the route from and to the sacred caves.

Around 1:30 p.m., Guru Vajradhara returned to the rest house at the last rest point where a lunch reception was hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Guru Vajradhara returned to Paro Kichu at 5:30 p.m. He then started his strict retreat for the next ten days from 5th May to 15th May at the residence compound of the late His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. At the same time, Guru Vajradhara's 96 years old Yongzin (Personal Tutor), Lama Lodoe went into semi-retreat.

6 May 2017

From 6th May the attendants of Guru Vajradhara started doing puja and Tsok of Guru Rinpoche at Kichu under the blessings of Guru Vajradhara. The entire rituals were completed on 14th May.

15 May 2017 - Photos

In the morning of 15th May, Guru Vajradhara and Yongzin Lama Lodoe completed their ten days retreat auspiciously. Immediately after the retreat, Guru Vajradhara visited the Museum of the late His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche's residence. In the afternoon Guru Vajradhara paid a visit to Satsam Chorten where the late His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche was cremated and his remains enshrined. Guru Vajradhara offered Nyendhar and performed Mahamudra prayers.

17 May 2017 - Photos

In the morning of 17th May, Guru Vajradhara returned to Jokhang and Guru Rinpoche's Lhakhang in Paro Kichu again to make the aspiration prayer of Mahamudra before returning to Thimphu.

18 May 2017 - Photos

On 18th May, Guru Vajradhara visited Dochula Lhakhang where Her Majesty Gyalyum Dorji Wangmo explained the important historical background of Dochula Lhakhang to Guru Vajradhara. Her Majesty requested Guru Vajradhara to turn the wheel of Dharma under a tree where a teaching throne had been set. Guru Vajradhara spontaneously gave a teaching on the essence of Tri Pritaka (Kagyur). He blessed all the important sites and the surroundings of Dochula Stupas. Her Majesty was most gracious.

20 May 2017 - Photos

On 20th May, Guru Vajradhara visited a retreat hall in Paro upon the request of His Eminence Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche. Upon Guru Vajradhara's arrival, he was received by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche who made Mandala and Boddy, Speach and Mind offerings followed by a tea ceremony. Later Guru Vajradhara blessed the Shrine Hall of the retreat center.

On the way to Thimphu, Guru Vajradhara also blessed the house of the parents of His Eminence Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche. He then went for pilgrimage to Thangtong Gyalpo Lhakhang, Patna Lhakhang and Tachog Lhakhang where Guru Vajradhara made aspiration prayers in each.

21 May 2017 - Photos

On 21st May, Guru Vajradhara left for Punakha via helicopter where he was received by the parents of their Majesties the Gyalyums, Yab Ugyen Dorji and Yum Thuji Zam. Guru Vajradhara had breakfast with the royal parents and blessed their beautiful Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendup Lhakhang at Wolakha. Guru Vajradhara then left by car to Gon-tseyphu by the invitation of Her Majesty Gyalyum Tshering Pem Wangchuck where Guru Vajradhara conducted a grand blessing ceremony at the Zangtok Palri construction site. From there Guru Vajradhara was accompanied by Her Majesty Gyalyum on a pilgrimage to the holy site of Guru Rinpoche. Her Majesty and Her Highness Ashi Kezang Choden Wangchuck graciously hosted a lunch for Guru Vajradhara.

In the afternoon Guru Vajradhara returned to Punakha and visited Punathang Dewachen Phodrang (Punakha Dzong) where he offered Nyendhars to all the holy shrines. He returned to Thimphu on the same day by helicopter.

23 May 2017 - Photos

On 23rd May, Guru Vajradhara visited Simtokha Dzong which was the first palace constructed in 1629. Guru Vajradhara first paid homage to both shrines of Lord Buddha and Chenrayzik (Buddha of Compassion) and then to the shrine of Mahakala, the enlightened Protector. Later Guru Vajradhara visited Gongdzog Chorten and offered Nyendhars and made dedication of his visit.

Guru Vajradhara met with the Ambassador of India to Bhutan, His Excellency Jaideep Sarkar, Mrs. Minako and Counselor Raghau Bhatnagar. They had the most cordial and wonderful time.

24 May 2017

On 24th May, Guru Vajradhara visited the Tara Shrine at Pangri Zampa by the invitation of Her Majesty the Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck where Guru Vajradhara Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa consecrated Rabney (Tara Shrine) which was constructed under Her Majesty's command. Her Majesty graciously hosted a tea ceremony for Guru Vajradhara. Her Majesty then accompanied Guru Vajradhara for the remaining pilgrimage of the holy temple of Pangri Zampa.

26 May 2017 - Photos

In the morning of 26th May, escorted by Brigadair Sangay Trinley under the blessing of His Majesty the Great Fourth King of Bhutan, Guru Vajradhara left Thimphu to Paro Airport and took the flight by Druk Air back to Delhi.

On arrival to Delhi, representatives from External Affairs Ministry, Government of India and representatives from Embassy of Bhutan in Delhi came to receive Guru Vajradhara Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa at Indra Gandhi International of Airport. This marked the auspicious completion of Guru Vajradhara Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa's sacred pilgrimage and retreat to the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Guru Vajradhara Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa's visit and its fruitful success was borne by the most gracious kindness and personal care of His Majesty the Great Fourth Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, the Royal Family and the Government of Bhutan.

Guru Vajradhara Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa offered his most profound prayers for the continues Perfect Health and Magnificent Longevity of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty the King and the Crown Prince HRH Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, the former, present and future Monarchs. May it continuously bring the utmost prosperity, Happiness and spiritual fulfillment of the people of the kingdom of Bhutan.

Guru Vajradhara Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa dedicated the merits of his entire sacred pilgrimage and retreat in Bhutan for the benefits of all living beings to be free from suffering and to realize the nature of their primordial wisdom. He further dedicated his merits for a better, cleaner and safer environment for all beings to live harmoniously in balance mentally and physically with one another sharing the same environment. Foremost he dedicated the merits for world peace, not only passive peace at individual level but also active peace for the entire humanity and all sentient beings.